Our Ref: DK/jh/gltr/Oct 26    

1st October 2026

Dear Parent/Carer

I hope you and your family are well. In October’s update letter, I am providing some key reminders and other important details for the month ahead including:

• Key dates/events for the Autumn term: Sixth Form Open Evening and Meet the Tutor Afternoon
• Y11/13 Mock Exams in October / November
• Changes to normal arrangements in October: Delayed start on Wed 14th October
• Black History Month 2026 - Themes and Celebrations
• Safeguarding support - How we help to keep children safe
• Changes to normal school arrangement in November - CRST Moderation Days

Summary of key dates and events in October at Holyhead:

• Sixth Form Open Evening - Thursday 1st October from 5:30 - 7:30pm (Early finish for all students at 2.30pm on Thursday; Delayed start at 10.25am on Friday 2nd October)
• Y11 Autumn Mock Exams take place from Monday 12th October to Friday 23rd October
• Year 7 Faculty Enrichment Session 2 takes place on Monday 12th October from 3.30-4.30pm
• Delayed start at 10.25am on Wednesday 14th October for Teaching Staff CPD on Ofsted areas for improvement focused on the Embedding Formative Assessment programme 
• Black History Month Community Event will take place on Thursday 22nd October from 4.00-5.30pm
• We will break up for the October half term holidays at 3.15pm on Friday 23rd October, returning to school at 8.40am on Monday 2nd November.
• CRST Moderation Afternoons on Thurs 5th November and Thurs 12th November - Early finishes @2.15pm.

Y11/13 Autumn Mock Exams: Monday 13th October - Friday 13th November
The period from Monday 12th October to Friday 13th November sees a very important set of Mock Exams for Y11/13 students in preparation for their external exams later in the year. Year 11 Mocks will be taking place in the Sports Hall and Examination Centre during the last two weeks of this half-term, with Year 13 Mocks taking place in the first two weeks after half-term. The mock examinations are an important stage in preparation for external exams. Students are receiving specific revision materials and guidance from their subjects, and we would appreciate your support in encouraging regular revision and the use of a structured revision timetable. 

Changes to normal School Operations: Delayed start on Wednesday 14th October
There will be five delayed starts this year due to Teaching & Learning CPD sessions for the second year of our Embedding Formative Assessment programme, addressing areas for improvement that were from the Ofsted Report to support staff professional development through our Embedding Formative Assessment programme and continued improvement priorities. There is a balance with the remaining sessions taking place after school. Most remaining sessions will take place after school.

Black History Month at Holyhead
This October, we will celebrate Black History Month through the national theme, "Honouring our Communities", recognising the individuals whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen communities across the UK. Our curriculum reflects these themes across a range of subjects Our curriculum will continue to highlight diverse voices and perspectives throughout the year, alongside our annual community celebration event on Thursday 22nd October from 4.00pm to 5.30pm. Further details will follow.

Parental Engagement: Meet the Tutor Afternoon - Wednesday 21st October
As was the case last year, we will hold a ‘Meet the Tutor Afternoon’ on Wednesday 21st October, 2–6pm, replacing previous year-group-specific Parental Engagement Evenings.

Parents/carers will be able to book a 5-minute appointment via Arbor to meet their child’s Form Tutor and discuss their start to the year. Meetings will take place in and around the Sports Hall allowing easy access for families.

Information stands covering Careers, Enrichment, Arbor Pay and Free School Meals will be available in the Dining Hall. Heads of Year and Vice Principals will be present in year group zones Heads of Year and Vice Principals will also be available, and QR codes will provide access to the 2026-27 Parent Guide and Parent Survey.

Safeguarding information: How can you and your child access support?
Safeguarding remains our highest priority. This term we have continued to reinforce key safeguarding messages through assemblies and communications with families. If students have any concerns, including those relating to social media, they should speak to a trusted member of staff, such as their Form Tutor or Head of Year, or use the Holyhead Helpline via the Student Portal. Concerns can be submitted anonymously and are reviewed promptly by senior safeguarding staff. Parents should contact their child's Head of Year if they require support or advice.

Safety Searches in School: Ensuring and maintaining a safe learning environment for all
A key strength identified through both Ofsted and our external safeguarding review was that pupils feel safe at Holyhead. To maintain a safe learning environment, we will continue to conduct periodic searches for prohibited items, including vapes, illegal substances and weapons. Searches are carried out professionally by trained staff and may include checks of bags, coats and blazers, together with metal detector wand scans. Mrs Denny, our Designated Safeguarding Lead, will write separately with further information.

Advance information: Changes to school operations - CRST Moderation Days in November
All CRST schools will finish at 2.15pm on Thursday 5th and Thursday 12th November to support trust-wide assessment moderation, including with GCSE/A Level mock examinations. A revised timetable will operate on both days and is outlined below.

Tutor Time = 8.45 - 9.10am
Period 1 = 9.10 - 10.10am
Break Time = 10.10 - 10.30am
Period 2 = 10.30 - 11.30am
Period 3 = 11.30am - 12.30pm
Lunch Time = 12.30 - 1.15pm
Period 4 = 1.15 - 2.15pm

May I once again wish you and your family good health and fortune over the coming days and weeks.

Yours faithfully,

Dave Knox
Principal